At the height of a pandemic, I find myself with a lot to be thankful for.  It may be my rose-colored glasses, or the time I’ve been given to reflect on the things that are most important to me.  I can easily say those things are my family, my friends that are like family, our health, and the amazing community in which we live.   The holiday week that is upon us gives me the opportunity to share some of my favorite things about being a Findlay-ite, pandemic-style.

Traditionally, my family kicks-off the holiday season with a night before thanksgiving bash, coined “Best Going Out Night”, that brings together old friends and new.  This year we will have a “Family Night In” with games or a new puzzle from Smarty Pants Findlay.  It will probably include a growler from Findlay Brewing Company as well….and maybe some Shirley’s Popcorn.

Thanksgiving Day will still be filled with food and thankful memories of the health and wellbeing of our family and the year we’ve shared together. 

Black Friday shopping takes a turn this year and will be spent from the comfort of our homes.  Black Friday has never really been about shopping for the best deal, rather a time that my sisters and I spend together.  Together we will map out our plan for Small Business Saturday, and make plans to be the first Fort Findlay Coffee & Doughnuts for donut holes and coffee bright and early the next morning!

Although we will not gather at Dorney Plaza for Mayor Muryn’s annual lighting of the Christmas tree, we will still take our girls down to see the big tree and the obligatory photo op, masks included this year.

Small Business Saturday is one of my favorite days in downtown Findlay.  The selection has grown with new retail locations that have opened this year – Light & Lovely, River + Road, Summer Creek Apparel, and Elida Candle Company to go along with our old favorites; RooBarb Studios, Shimmery Belle Boutique, Trends! on Main and definitely an Amici Mocha “Alissa Style” from Coffee Amici.    Being home so much and looking at my bare walls, I will also be hitting Thistle Exchange and Bee Simple for home décor.  Actually, I think my living room needs a new chair, soooo I’ll pay Hutchisons Fine Furniture a visit too.

If I have enough energy left after shopping ‘til we drop, Christmas décor starts to make its way out of the attic on Saturday evening.  I usually make my first swipe at Garden Central to fill in with some fresh greens.  The scent of fresh evergreen gets me excited to decorate, and let’s face it – we’ve all checked our sense of smell more than usual in 2020.

2020 has also forced our local retailers to step-up their online presence.  If you’re not up for in-person shopping on Small Business Saturday, our local retailers are going virtual with great Cyber Monday promotions.

I think we can all agree, we’re fatigued – physically, mentally, and emotionally.  The events of 2020 have gotten to us in some way or another.  I choose to take a step back and look at all of the good in our community.  Have you reached out to a non-profit yet this year?  Do you miss being in the theatre at MCPA or maybe you missed Oktoberfest Findlay with the Hancock Historical Museum or you weren’t able to attend the typical fundraiser that often gave you the opportunity to support one of many local charities.   Now is the time to say THANK YOU to our local non-profits for providing the Findlay/Hancock County Community with amazing resources.  Consider giving a little (or a lot) this Giving Tuesday to help support and ensure our non-profits continue to be active and visible for many years to come.

After the busy week ahead, I’ll definitely be ready to kick back with my big bottle of bubbly (Thanks, Wine Merchant) and enjoy the holidays at home.

This post was written by Alissa Preston.  Alissa is the director of Visit Findlay, Oler’s Aficionado, and supporter of all things Findlay.  That isn’t much is it?  Learn more about Alissa here!